Civic engagementFrom the masjid's own video, Jun 16, 2020.

Justice requires solidarity against racism

“Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala has chosen us for a bigger goal. For a bigger mission. And part of that mission is establishing justice.”

The khateeb, at 14:22

In one sentence

Muslims in America must treat the sanctity of every human life, especially Black lives, as a religious responsibility through education, prayer, solidarity, and meaningful anti-racist action.

The khutbah in 5 steps

  1. Uses Quranic teachings on corruption, collective trials, and human life to frame racism as a communal responsibility.
  2. Connects anti-Black racism, Islamophobia, and the oppression of communities worldwide.
  3. Reframes surviving the pandemic and returning to Jumu’ah as an opportunity to pursue justice.
  4. Calls for education, sincere dua, genuine African-American outreach, and cross-community relationships.
  5. Closes with prayers for justice, oppressed communities, communal reform, and safe return to religious life.
Try this week
Include oppressed people, especially nearby African Americans, in sincere dua.
Extend activism, volunteering, and community work to everyone, asking African-American community members what support they want.
Educate yourself by watching 13th, reading The Autobiography of Malcolm X, or taking a free African-American history course.
Visit, get to know, and build relationships with African-American community members to break social barriers.
Apply concern for justice and the oppressed in family, mosque, and social life.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 8Used to argue that being able to hear the message signals potential for goodness and action.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“If every human soul in America cannot breathe, we as a community, we cannot breathe.”
Islamic Cultural Association · Farmington Hills, MI
Play from 5:23
“Let's make sure that our activism, that our volunteering, that our community work, you know, extends to include everybody.”
Islamic Cultural Association · Farmington Hills, MI
Play from 6:28
“We should have the same mission that Musa was brought and sent, which is to support the oppressed.”
Islamic Cultural Association · Farmington Hills, MI
Play from 9:47
“Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala has chosen us for a bigger goal. For a bigger mission. And part of that mission is establishing justice.”
Islamic Cultural Association · Farmington Hills, MI
Play from 14:22
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah teaches that every human life is precious, and Muslims should stand with people facing injustice, especially Black Americans suffering racism close to home. The pandemic and return to Jumu'ah are presented as a chance to rethink our priorities and live as people who establish justice. That means praying for the oppressed, learning Black history, listening to African-American communities, and building real relationships across community boundaries. We are reminded that serving Allah includes serving His creation, whether or not someone looks like us or shares our faith. Each of us should ask what good role Allah has given us and then take a sincere, peaceful step.

  1. What does it mean to notice when someone else is being treated unfairly?
  2. What book, documentary, or conversation could help us learn more about Black history?
  3. How can our family support people nearby who are facing injustice?